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What is Cambridge Pre-U?
A guide for employers
Cambridge Pre-U is an alternative to A Level, and is offered by a growing number of UK
schools. As an employer it can be difficult to keep up to date with new qualifications, and so
this leaflet is designed to help. It gives you all the key facts about Cambridge Pre-U, and will
help you choose between job applicants.
Cambridge Pre-U is taken by students typically aged
16 to 19 who want to go to university. It was developed
by Cambridge International Examinations in consultation
with schools and universities, and launched in UK schools
in September 2008. The first full exam series took place
in June 2010.
Cambridge Pre-U is known for being a rigorous programme
of study that prepares students with the knowledge and
skills they need for university. All the courses are designed
to develop in-depth subject knowledge, research skills, and
the ability to work independently.
What types of qualification are there?
Cambridge Pre-U is available in 25 individual subjects
(Principal Subjects). Students typically take three or four
Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subjects.
Some students take a combination of Cambridge Pre-U
Principal Subjects and A Levels. For example, a student
might study A Levels in French and English alongside a
Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subject in History.
The primary difference between Cambridge
Pre-U and other examinations is the independent
study... When our students go to university in
September they are going to be well prepared for
undergraduate life.
Louise Mitchell, Teacher, Simon Langton Grammar School, Kent
You can expect to see the following types of Cambridge Pre-U qualification presented on job applications:
Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subject
Example: Cambridge Pre-U Principal
Subject in French
Typically a two-year course, examined at the end of the course when
students are in Year 13. Equivalent to A Level.
Cambridge Pre-U Short Course
Example: Cambridge Pre-U Short
Course in French
Typically a one-year course, examined at the end of Year 12. It is only
available in some subjects, and allows students to broaden their learning.
Equivalent to AS Level.
Cambridge Pre-U Global
Perspectives and Research (GPR)
A two-year course that broadens students’ learning beyond their subject
specialism. Global Perspectives develops research and thinking skills on a
range of global issues in the first year, preparing students for the extended
project in the second year (the Research Report).
Cambridge Pre-U Diploma
Students gain the Cambridge Pre-U Diploma by taking any three Principal
Subjects (one or two Principal Subjects can be substituted with A Levels)
with Cambridge Pre-U Global Perspectives and Research.
How is Cambridge Pre-U graded?
Cambridge Pre-U has a scale of nine grades. The top
grade, Distinction 1, reports achievement above Grade A*
at A Level. Distinction 3 is aligned to Grade A at A Level,
and the lowest pass grade, Pass 3, is aligned to Grade E.
Cambridge Pre-U grades
What do Cambridge Pre-U certificates
look like?
Here is an example of a Cambridge Pre-U certificate.
You will notice that the qualification title includes the
phrase ‘Level 3’. This phrase relates to the UK framework
for qualifications. Level 3 qualifications include A Level
and Cambridge Pre-U.
Distinction 1 (D1)
Distinction 2 (D2)
Distinction 3 (D3)
Merit 2 (M2)
Merit 3 (M3)
Pass 1 (P1)
Pass 2 (P2)
Pass 3 (P3)
What skills does Cambridge Pre-U develop?
sample
Merit 1 (M1)
Cambridge Pre-U courses create opportunities for students
to take responsibility for their own learning, supporting the
development of independent-minded individuals. Most
Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subjects include an extended
essay, requiring students to research a topic that interests
them and communicate their ideas effectively.
Key skills developed by Cambridge Pre-U include critical
and creative thinking, problem solving, communication,
research skills, the ability to work independently and
working within a team.
Cambridge Pre-U at a glance
Is Cambridge Pre-U recognised by
universities?
Yes. Cambridge Pre-U was developed with universities in
response to their requests for a qualification that better
prepares students for degree-level studies. More than
140 UK universities accept Cambridge Pre-U for entry to
undergraduate courses, including all the leading Russell
Group universities such as Bristol, Cambridge, Oxford
and UCL. It is also accepted by over 60 US universities,
including all the Ivy League, and a growing number of
universities in Europe.
• Students can take Cambridge Pre-U only, or in
combination with A Level.
• Available in 25 Principal Subjects, 9 Short Courses,
and Global Perspectives and Research (GPR) –
a two year course that includes an extended project.
• Develops in-depth subject knowledge, research skills
and independent thinking.
• Has a scale of nine grades, and the top grade reports
achievement above A* at A Level.
Learn more! For more information on Cambridge Pre-U please visit www.cie.org.uk/cambridgepreu
or contact Customer Services on +44 (0)1223 553554 or email info@cie.org.uk
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© Cambridge International Examinations, December 2013